New York State Assemblyman Bob Reilly is doing his best to keep mixed martial arts illegal in his home state, an effort that was successful in the past thanks to his idiotic comparisons between MMA and dog fighting. The tide seems to be turning in the state, and legalization now seems inevitable thanks in part to the UFC’s lobbying efforts and the new pro-MMA chairwoman of the Tourism, Arts, and Sports Development Committee, Melvina Lathan.

But Reilly is still fighting it because, well, he just doesn’t like it. And in order to try and prove that it will be bad for the state, he’s prepared to say a bunch of shit that makes no sense at all and come up with brand new flawed comparisons. Here’s Reilly talking with MMA Weekly, explaining how allowing MMA in New York would actually take money out of the local economy:

Ultimate Fighting, that franchise is owned by interests in Las Vegas. If you have a gate in the city of Albany, the live gate would be 4 million dollars. There’s revenue that would stay here, lets us say a half a million. But three and a half million would go right out of our economy and out of our state to Vegas, and I think that’s harmful to our local economy. It doesn’t generate money on a long-time basis. It’s what I call a “false economy.” There’s many examples of this. It’s a stretch from Ultimate Fighting, of course, but our whole problem with our financial industry and whatever. Or gambling, which I think is a better analogy. I think the projections of revenue coming in, you have to look at a bigger picture, and the bigger picture is not so beneficial. And of course, the real money in sports, which isn’t addressed, is the hundreds of millions of dollars taken in by television, especially pay per view.

Got that? MMA would take money out of the economy because not all of the money generated by it would stay in the state. By that logic, any company now doing business within the state of New York that is not headquartered there is also sucking money out of the economy. Take it from the guy who knows all about the “financial industry and whatever.”

It should be noted that Reilly lives near Albany, not New York City. So maybe he doesn’t realize that a show at Madison Square Garden would not only bring in money from existing New Yorkers, but also from outside the state. For every UFC event spectators come from all over the country, purchasing airline tickets, hotel rooms, food, cab rides, and other goods and services, thus injecting money into the local economy. But apparently that’s not good enough for Reilly, because the UFC is also making money off of pay-per-views.

The worst part about this argument is that Reilly doesn’t actually make it. He doesn’t explain why it would be better to have none of the UFC’s money rather than some of it, but instead keeps comparing it to gambling, with brilliant analogies like this one:

If you take Atlantic City for example, you have casinos that are going broke, surrounded by slums. If you look at Las Vegas, basically, the same thing is happening, where 20 months in a row gambling revenue has decreased, and Las Vegas and the growth there has created many slum areas in Las Vegas.

And this relates to MMA how? Reilly doesn’t explain. He only repeats the comparison over and over, without pointing out any way that the two are related. This is the kind of reasoning the UFC is up against in their fight to get the sport legalized.

When it comes down to it, Reilly (a former running coach, he’s careful to mention) just doesn’t like MMA. He thinks it’s too brutal and promotes violence. That, at least, is a somewhat valid opinion that can be supported, though we may ultimately disagree with it. MMA is a violent sport. So is boxing, which Reilly says he’s a fan of, but only the amateur type. As for rule changes that might make MMA acceptable to him, he suggests the following:

I think that the idea that what we’re doing is mixing skills is the problem, too. And I think the rule change would be that when you’re boxing, you box. When you’re wrestling, you wrestle. But there’s a reason why when a boxer falls to one knee or two knees, that the other boxer can’t come up and hit him in the head. And there’s a reason why in wrestling, you can’t hold a guy and at the same time whack him. It’s for the safety of the participant. You can’t do that.

Oh, but you can, Mr. Reilly. It’s called MMA. It’s actually incredibly popular, not to mention safer than boxing. And it’s coming to New York.

Cagepotato Comments

Showing 1-25 of comments

tihs gut is so fucking retarded cause i mean about 1.5 million dollars per fight added to the ecnomy would be so fucking much.

Anonymous- January 15, 2009 at 9:11 am

I can't wait till UFC comes to T.O :D

unemployed in NY- January 15, 2009 at 5:22 am

every one should email this jackass !! It's this kind of thinking is why NY sucks and every one is leaving

El Frijol- January 15, 2009 at 12:13 am

what is wrong with old white politicians? why cant they just put it all out on the table and say they dont like it instead of all the other crap they try to mix it in with. The state of New York can make a killing on having the UFC or any other MMA organization there. It brings in money

Bob Reilly - January 14, 2009 at 11:17 pm

I like Cocks! all kinds of cocks! small cocks, big cocks, white cocks, black cocks, yellow cocks, Dogs cocks! all kinds of cocks, cocks in my mouth and cocks in my ass!

Whisper- January 14, 2009 at 7:46 pm

In Assemblyman Reilly's defense, MMA does have valid comparisons to dogfighting. First of all, there's combat involved in both. Then there's the fact that the combatants are starved in preparation for the fights. Also, often, if not always, one party gets hurt. Plus there are rules and regulations for the fights. Huh? Dogfights have no rules? That's okay though, because the combatants get paid and their injuries are treated and they are also forbidden to fight for a set period of time so that they could heal up. What, that's not true for dogfighting? Wait... You mean the dogs CHOOSE to fight under those barbaric terms?

In any case, MMA is way too violent to be legalized anywhere. I mean, when was the last time you saw track stars kicking and punching each other while they're down? That's right, NEVER.

Go amateur boxing!!!

Tyler - January 14, 2009 at 4:26 pm

Look at this guy's picture he looks like someone just shit him out!

Anonymous- January 14, 2009 at 4:06 pm

"And it’s coming to New York."

fuck yes!

I actually read the entire interview, and you pointed out all the inconsistencies that had me damn near tearing my hair out.

The circular nature of his arguments, the lack of any 'point' or connection to mma...well, it all reeks of someone else's arguments, fed to him on a piece of paper, then regurgitated. methinks i smell the reek of a pissed off union.

Anonymous- January 14, 2009 at 3:02 pm

I always love to hear from the 4 chan crowd

astounded- January 14, 2009 at 2:42 pm

this guy is deffinately still a pillow biting running coach at heart

CPR- January 14, 2009 at 2:09 pm

you guys should interview this idiot and prove him wrong

dezmitri96- January 14, 2009 at 1:31 pm

I just can't wait for all of these old guys to die off so all of their old ways will die with them.

Richard Fitzentite- January 14, 2009 at 1:16 pm

Who the fuck was interviewing this guy? Why no follow-up questions? Like who gives a shit about Atlantic City? Or, Have you asked Atlantic City how much they made off of UFC events recently? Or, Were you this stupid when you were voted into office?

Surfin Dave- January 14, 2009 at 1:09 pm

Unfortunately, the IOC got wind of Reilly's analogies, and has now eliminated the hurdles from future summer olympic games.

See, if you're running then you run. If you're jumping then you jump. The problem is when we mix skills together, people will get hurt. There's a reason we don't jump when we run, and we don't run when we jump - it's for the safety of the participant.

Drew- January 14, 2009 at 12:13 pm

It seems everyone with "Reilly" in their last name is born idiotic.

Forrest44- January 14, 2009 at 11:58 am

This man is truly ignorant and should be told so. i recommend sending lots non-profane emails to his office. here's his Govt email address:

reillyr@assembly.state.ny.us

if you email this moron try not to sound like one yourself. Maybe quote this line from CP:

Got that? MMA would take money out of the economy because not all of the money generated by it would stay in the state. By that logic, any company now doing business within the state of New York that is not headquartered there is also sucking money out of the economy

Than- January 14, 2009 at 11:04 am

Well at least he is an intelligent and articulate spokesman for his constituents or whatever.

Criminally Negligent - January 14, 2009 at 11:03 am

He has problem with the UFC making money off pay per view? Actually so would the state of New York, assuming they would do what every other state that has regulated mixed martial arts would do, and levy a tax on that pay per view revenue.

So much for the idea that state representatives are intelligent enough to know what is in the best interests of the people they are supposed to be representing.... Sorry Thomas Jefferson but maybe we should call this whole representative democracy "or whatever" off. I imagine it would go something like this:

"Annnd 233 years into the 5th Round, Big John McCarthy steps in and calls a halt to representative democracy, declaring uninformed congressmen the winners by rear-naked IDIOCY [choking the life out of the rest of the American population.]" -Bruce Buffer

iron helps us play- January 14, 2009 at 10:54 am

if bobby reilly is impressed with track, show him the kalib starnes fight.
that ought to persuade him.

Tpark- January 14, 2009 at 10:43 am

This guy is an idiot. Well at least we still got the UCL (Underground Combat league) but mainstream MMA would be great also plus help out NYC BIG TIME. Soon the metrocard here is gonna raise to $100 from 80, which was just raised a yr ago from $76. Dana Should get someone scary looking from the UFC to persuade Reily. Maybe Check Kongo/Carwin/Lesnar. That or get kalib starnes or Lyoto machida to assasinate the guy. I mean they're both "elusive"

Hey now, some of the rest of us have backgrounds in running too. This guy, nor any other head-up-their-ass runner is a representative for the sport and participants in entirety. Every sport has it's dickheads. No one should use their extensive background in one sport to argue about an almost completely unrelated sport.

In addition, running is vital to a fighter's training.

dabix- January 14, 2009 at 10:33 am

Dana message to Reilly :
Yo dawg, I herd you like boxing and wrestling,
so I put a cage in your ring so that you can box while you're wrestling.

(original version was "Yo f@c dawg, I herd you like f@^"... and so on)

rokabee- January 14, 2009 at 10:29 am

Bob Reilly Just Got Owned By The CP!!!!!! Good job team.

mayhem420- January 14, 2009 at 10:22 am

@fedor a million ankles:
Dude this is NY we are talking about.
Other than the NY GIANTS and maybe the Yankees or Mets what other good pro team do we have?
Right now you got the Knicks stinking up MSG so how bad could some MMA be?

10pound- January 14, 2009 at 10:21 am

The things that came out of that elected official's mouth remind me of a shit I took this morning.

fedor a million ankles- January 14, 2009 at 10:17 am

EDIT: Football and baseball are actually pretty cool, but I don't care about them like I care about MMA.

Erick757- January 14, 2009 at 10:16 am

rabble rabble rabble

fedor a million ankles- January 14, 2009 at 10:16 am

We're allowed to watch it on TV, but we're not allowed to watch it live. That's just retarded.

Maybe they're afraid that people will wake up realize how boring baseball and football is? MMA draws people away from the more popular, lucrative sports because it's better than them.

Artigale- January 14, 2009 at 10:10 am

Wow i have heard tards with helmets and drool cups that can string together better arguments than that. (Sorry if I offended and tards with helmets and drool cups by comparing them to Bob Reilly.)

Goog- January 14, 2009 at 10:09 am

A. This guy is just one of the several terminally stupid.

B. In a time of such economic distress, the great state of New York is poor-mouthing about their deficit, yet continuing on with the half baked designs of the Ground Zero Memorial. They've raised less than $140 million for the project, yet costs have already reach $1 billion... and growing. Their capacity to know what's good enough and good for the state is SEVERELY impaired. They're already set up to just stick their hand in the money stream of the fastest growing sport today and cash in a few times a year. The majority of the general public doesn't really know the impact even a good sized concert can have on the local economy with restaurants, hotels, transport, etc... but it's the job of these people to know and it's a shame on every level that a few idiots stand between the sport and the success it brings.

Talk to them about the worlds greatest athletes and they mention decathletes, because only true athletes can throw a fucking discus. Mention that fighting had to be the first sport, and they'll say running. Because if you think about ancient times, two guys trying to impress some cave-bitch would have had a foot race to settle their differences as opposed to beating the fuck out of each other.

My simple point is, fuck track and fuck Assemblyman Reilly!

Th3R3al3st- January 14, 2009 at 10:05 am

Point is the economy is struggling while MMA is constantly rising. MMA might not rise at a ridiculous pace as it did within the last few years. Point is MMA is a moneymaker, a cash cow. Maybe its not the cash cow that Bob Reilly expects, but a cash cow none the less. I believe if MMA could hold a venue in any state it would help boost the economy. Bob Reilly, of course gambling in Vegas has decreased along with Atlantic City. Even with the decrease both are still bringing in revenue, jobs, etc. As Americans or anyone for that matter, we like to see people get whacked(as you worded it) in the head. We like to see a bloody fight, we like to see a MMA battle of heart and will, and we like to see a guys knees buckle. Bob Reilly, you sir, are close-minded Jackass

Black Adam- January 14, 2009 at 9:49 am

Wow. This guy is a piece of work. Can't Dana White send some goons over to his house at midnight to shut him up?

Creamy CA Roll- January 14, 2009 at 9:49 am

CP, your analysis is flawed because the money spent on traveling to NYC won't stay in NY. The airlines and hotels don't have their corporate hq's in NY, therefore NY doesn't prosper.

Lets cut this guy some slack. He's as old as dirt and was a running coach for 26 years. Must've been back in the 60's and 70's with an ultra sexy outfit consisting of short-shorts, knee high tube socks, and matching headband. All those years on the track strutting his stuff probably made him question his manhood which is why he can't grow a pair.

Oh, and props to Iron Helps Us Play for his obscure Simpsons reference

Mirjitsu- January 14, 2009 at 9:48 am

What a moron. I guess that study that the UFC had done was completely false and untrue. All the money in tourism that the UFC would bring to NY would some how miraculously disappear and wind up in Las Vegas. IT IS IDIOTS LIKE THIS MAN THAT HAS CAUSED NYC's ECONOMY TO FALL STRAIGHT INTO THE SHITTER!!

Piss in my own fruit tray- January 14, 2009 at 9:47 am

IT is also illeagal to talk to someone while riding in an elevator in the City of Albany, and you are supposed to stand with your hands folded and stare straight ahead at the elevator doors until it opens....not sure why i am posting this except to point out how stupid the laws are there.

Eveboy420- January 14, 2009 at 9:45 am

Can you say Anarchy anyone? How about this world wakes up and realizes there is not one of these scumbags(I live in Canada and I include them too) Work for us as it is supposed to be! All they are worried about is lying their way into position to make themselves more rich and more powerful, And fulfilling their own agendas!! JESUS CHRIST THIS SOCIETY SUCKS! Isn't there supposed to be a meteor coming to wipe us all out or something?

Firecrap- January 14, 2009 at 9:41 am

I bet right now there is some retard in Toronto writing these great arguments down on paper, so they will be ready to confront DW in the months to come.

Anonymous- January 14, 2009 at 9:39 am

Wow, this guy needs a lesson on how cash circulates. It amazes me that people can actually take such, obviously, ridiculous logic seriously.

Jason- January 14, 2009 at 9:36 am

This guy is awesome! He's finally putting you turds in place. I think I'm going to move to New York so I can vote for him when he runs for Governor. With his high level of douchebaginess I have a feeling he'll go far into politics.

Sneaky Pete- January 14, 2009 at 9:32 am

How can you say that MMA is like dog fights? When was the last time you saw a pit-bull wearing speedos and eight-ounce gloves? Preposterous. Apples and oranges my friend. Apples and oranges.

Armbreaker- January 14, 2009 at 9:28 am

I saw a video clip of Reilly on Fox. He sounds like a fairy. He is also a moron.

Short Bus- January 14, 2009 at 9:25 am

As dumb as he is, you sure his last name isn't Diaz?

mayhem420- January 14, 2009 at 9:25 am

I just dont get how you can say MMA is more violent than Boxxing.
How many pro boxers are now retarded due to repeated strikes to the head?
How many boxers have died in the ring compaired to MMA?
In boxing you get flashed (KO) but then get a standing 8 count.
If you can get back to your feet in time you can run back out there and get KTFO again!! Yeaaaa more concussions!!!! In MMA you get flashed and 90% of the time the fight is over.
This is just an example of an older generation not willing to or even trying to evolve or understand new things. People like this are the reason why shit never changes.

Jared- January 14, 2009 at 9:24 am

I think that Assemblyman Reilly's flaw is that he hired John Madden to do his Speech Writing/ Coaching.

C-Bus Allstar- January 14, 2009 at 9:23 am

It's not just this guy that we should be pissed off at or angry with.. It's idiots in place like New York that actually think what he says has some credibility. Those are the idiots we're fighting, not this shmuck. This guy is just a fucking joke on the cover of Cage Potato's E-Zine.. The people who actually think his opinions matter (which they don't..), are the real idiots here.

iron helps us play- January 14, 2009 at 9:22 am

they're gonna put together an amazing card when they finally make it to new york.
it's gonna be huge. jebus christ.

saintmarley- January 14, 2009 at 9:14 am

phuckin politics...

cage potato kicks major butt ! thanks i go here daily and the writers are clever, i love the photo captions, they are my favorite part !

www.mmawallpapers.blogspot.com

Anonymous- January 14, 2009 at 9:13 am

He should at least just stick to the "it's too violent" argument. This is garbage. I can only conclude that someone in boxing is paying him and he's coming up w/ any argument to vote against MMA.